DOROTHY JEAN (Doc). A beautiful Centenarian

Song- “You are my Sunshine” by Jimmy Davis

A Centenarian is born. Happy 100 years.

Let’s meet Doc. Doc has just turned 100 years young, born in March 1923. Doc was born into the Greatest Generation (people born between 1910 and 1924). They lived through the Great Depression and WWII. They were known for their resilience living during the depression and then their efforts home and abroad during WWII.

Doc was a young adult during World War II and worked in a flour mill during the war years. Doc was married for 49 years has three children, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Doc with friends aged 20. Working in a flour mill during the WWII war effort.

I had a lifestyle conversation with Doc. These are her responses.

During your life did you regularly exercise?

Doc – “Yes, I loved to swim. While I was caring for my sick husband I would get up early and go to the local swimming pool and do laps for an hour using a pool noodle. I felt this gave me good strength in my arms and legs. I also used to do workouts to CD music at home.”

What about diet, have you mostly eaten healthily?

Doc – “Yes I have always eaten well, my favourite foods are eggs and salmon. I like softer foods now, nothing that’s hard to chew.”

Do you think you have always been mindful that a healthy lifestyle has aided your longevity?

Doc – “Yes, I have looked after myself with exercise and diet. Also I have never smoked and I don’t drink alcohol”.

Have you been mostly healthy during your life?

Doc – “Yes, I had a few operations when I was younger, but 2 years ago I had cancer of the oesophagus. I was in hospital for 3 months and needed chemotherapy and radiation treatment. But I am fine now. I have osteoporosis and use a walking frame and special gloves and socks for the pain.”

When did you move into aged care?

Doc – “Before the pandemic I was living on my own in Melbourne. My daughter lived closeby. I did have regular trips to the Central Coast to stay with my other daughter. I often flew up on my own but sometimes my daughter would drive me up. Just before COVID I moved in with my daughter but then she wasn’t well so I moved into respite care but then stayed.

Doc about to leave Sydney on one of her cruises.

Do you use any modern technology?

Doc – “Yes my mobile phone. I don’t watch TV anymore. I use my mobile to call my son and daughters and to learn new thing and keep up with current affairs. I was interested to learn about how brain temperature above 45c affects the neurons.

Did music play a big part in your life?

Doc – “No, not really. My dad would sing ‘You are my Sunshine’ to me and I had a music CD that I did exercise to.”

You have beautiful skin, what is your beauty routine?

Doc – “Emu oil, you can buy it at Woolies. It’s not expensive. I use witch hazel too, it’s good for pain and inflammation. I also take curcumin. It’s good for osteoarthritis and joint pain”.

Do you still exercise regularly?

Doc – “I use a walker to move about, that’s my exercise. I go out with my family but take the walker now.”

Have you ever had a fall?

Doc – “Yes, I bent down to pick up a tissue and fell. I hurt my knee, it’s still not recovered.”

Do you believe you have had a happy life?

Doc – “Yes, I have travelled a lot on ships with family and friends. I loved to travel to see new places. I was lucky to travel to so many places.”

Where did you travel to?

Doc – “Germany, China, Russia and USA.”

How do you feel about living such a long life?

Doc – “I am happy now, after my operation I was in hospital for a long time. I didn’t want to live anymore, but everyone keeps me going, I am happy now. I sometimes think about when I die, what happens. I don’t think anyone knows.”

Doc with her youngest grandson.

***

I had a lovely time chatting to Doc. We can learn so much from listening to the lifestyle choices of older generations. Doc at 100 years young has achieved three important milestones.

Doc is still independent. Although Doc is in an aged care facility, she still manages many daily tasks without help.

Doc is still physically active and uses her walker to get exercise.

Doc is cognitively amazing. She uses her mobile phone for current affairs, loves a chat and enjoys going out with family and friends.

Doc with her children at her Centenarian Birthday Celebration.

If you would like to learn more about the GREATEST GENERATION, search for Greatest Generation articles: The Canberra Times or Wikipedia.

‘Till next time – Keep on Rockn’ and Rolln’

Kim

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